The National Theatre in Prague and the Rudolfinum remain the most prominent examples of Neo-Renaissance architecture realized by Josef Zítek. Operating within the structure of the Austrian Empire and later Austria-Hungary, he transitioned from a student of Josef Kranner and Eduard van der Nüll into a defining figure in the central European architectural landscape of the nineteenth century.
Early Development and Training
Born in 1832 in Prague, Zítek faced early financial hardship following his father's death from cholera. His professional formation began in 1848 at the Prague Polytechnic, followed by studies at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. A pivotal period occurred after 1858 when a design prize and subsequent scholarship allowed him to spend two years in Rome, where he secured the patronage of Charles Alexander, Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. This connection facilitated his first major commission: a provincial gallery and museum in Weimar, completed between 1863 and 1868.
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From 1864 until 1904, Zítek held a professorship at the Prague Polytechnic. His pedagogical influence extended to architects such as Antonín Wiehl and Josef Schulz. During this tenure, he executed diverse projects including the Mill Colonnade in Karlovy Vary and a monument to Karel Havlíček Borovský at Olšany Cemetery. These years established his reputation as a versatile general contractor and consultant across several professional commissions.
The National Theatre Crisis
In 1881, the National Theatre suffered severe damage from a fire shortly after its opening. The subsequent rebuilding process became mired in controversy and personal attacks directed toward Zítek. Following the rejection of his restoration plans by the choir, he resigned from the project and vowed never to re-enter the building. He retreated into personal life, marrying Berta Lippert, with whom he had two sons, and managing an estate in Lčovice dedicated to cheese production.
Final Projects and Legacy
The Rudolfinum, completed in 1884, served as his final major design, created in partnership with his former student Josef Schulz. Although he remained active as a consultant, his direct involvement in large-scale construction dwindled thereafter. One year before his death in 1909 at Smíchov, he received the title of Baron. He is buried at a cemetery in Malenice.
Fast facts
- Born: 1832, Prague
- Died: 1909, Smíchov
- Education: Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
- Primary Field: Architecture
- Notable Works: National Theatre, Rudolfinum
- Academic Tenure: 1864–1904 at the Prague Polytechnic
- Burial Site: Cemetery in Malenice
- Citizenship: Austrian Empire; Austria–Hungary
Questions readers ask
What major buildings did Josef Zítek design?
He is primarily known for the National Theatre and the Rudolfinum in Prague, as well as the Mill Colonnade in Karlovy Vary.
Why did Zítek stop working on the National Theatre?
After the building was damaged by fire in 1881, conflicts regarding his restoration proposals led him to resign from the project.
Achievements
- Trained at Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
